Thermal Petroleum Engineer

Salamander Solutions, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Employer‑covered medical

Dental and vision plans

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Salamander Solutions, Inc. seeks a Thermal Petroleum Engineer to model, evaluate, and optimize thermal recovery in heavy oil assets.

The role centers on CMG STARS simulations, history matching, and applying AI‑based optimization to improve production in Venezuela’s heavy oil sector. Ideal candidates will have deep hands-on Venezuela heavy oil experience, strong data analytics, and the ability to translate complex results into actionable business strategies.

Qualifications

• Direct, hands-on experience with Venezuela heavy oil / extra-heavy oil reservoirs.
• 10+ years in Venezuela heavy oil and thermal EOR.
• Proficiency with CMG STARS for thermal reservoir modeling.
• Ability to translate simulation insights into actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Build, calibrate, and maintain detailed thermal reservoir models evaluating heat addition effects.
• Perform history matching for CSS, steam flooding, SAGD and electric heating.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Technical teams on Venezuela market opportunities.
• Analyze field data to monitor and optimize thermal operations with Salamander heating tech.
• Integrate wellbore dynamics with reservoir behavior for various operating conditions.
• Develop data-driven optimization tools to enhance thermal recovery performance.

Skills

CMG STARS

History matching

Thermal reservoir simulation

CSS

SAGD

Electric heating

AI‑based optimization

Venezuela heavy oil knowledge

Spanish language proficiency

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in petroleum/reservoir eng

Tools

OLGA

CMOST

CFD tools

Job description

Thermal Petroleum Engineer Salamander is seeking a Thermal Petroleum Engineer to support the modeling, evaluation, and optimization of thermal recovery processes in heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs, with a focus on expanding our growing business in the Venezuela heavy oil market. This role is central to the development and application of Salamander's advanced heating technologies, integrating reservoir simulation, thermal modeling, and field performance analysis to maximize production and efficiency in extra-heavy oil assets such as those of the Faja del Orinoco (Orinoco Belt). The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes, direct hands‑on experience with Venezuela heavy oil reservoirs, strong proficiency in CMG STARS, and a proven ability to translate simulation insights into actionable operational and business strategies for the region. This position requires international travel and onsite presence at our Houston location.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Build, calibrate, and maintain detailed thermal reservoir simulation models to evaluate the impact of heat addition within the wellbore and reservoir
• Perform history matching of thermal processes such as cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), steam flooding, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), and electric heating to predict future production performance
• Work closely with Business Development and Technical teams to evaluate opportunities in the Venezuela market, conduct petroleum engineering analyses, and provide technically sound recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including local operating partners
• Analyze active field data to monitor and optimize thermal operations using Salamander's proprietary heating technologies
• Integrate wellbore dynamics and reservoir behavior through coupled thermal and flow modeling to assess performance under various operating conditions
• Quantify reservoir uncertainties, evaluate sensitivities, and support decision‑making through scenario analysis and probabilistic modeling
• Develop and apply data‑driven and AI‑based optimization tools (e.g., CMOST or similar) to enhance thermal recovery performance
• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and proposals summarizing results, insights, and recommendations for both internal leadership and Venezuela‑based stakeholders
• Stay current with emerging thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies, simulation techniques, and reservoir engineering best practices relevant to Venezuela's heavy oil sector
• Support all engagements in the Venezuela market in accordance with applicable regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements
• Provide technical mentorship and contribute to continuous improvement of Salamander's modeling and analysis workflows

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in petroleum engineering, reservoir engineering, or a related discipline.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum 10 years of direct, hands‑on experience with Venezuela heavy oil / extra‑heavy oil reservoirs, such as the Faja del Orinoco (Orinoco Belt),
• required 5-10 years of experience in thermal reservoir simulation using CMG STARS,
• required Proven track record of history matching and forecasting field‑scale thermal recovery processes (CSS, steam flooding, SAGD, electric heating, etc.),
• required Familiarity with dynamic integrated wellbore modeling (e.g., OLGA or equivalent) is an asset
• Experience applying AI‑based reservoir optimization tools (e.g., CMOST) is a plus
• Experience with heat transfer and thermal analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools is a plus
• Working knowledge of Venezuela's regulatory, operating, and business environment for the oil and gas sector
• Spanish language proficiency preferred
• Willingness to travel to Venezuela and/or the broader Latin America region as needed
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to efficiently process and interpret large datasets
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with capability to address uncertainties and conflicting field data
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex technical findings into clear, credible business insights
• Highly motivated, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to technical excellence

What We Offer

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employer‑covered medical insurance options
• 100% employer‑covered dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. salamander reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the role as necessary.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salamander is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Company’s Policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories is prohibited.

Salamander Solutions sets the standard for in‑ground heater technology. We partner with oil companies and interests worldwide to dramatically increase performance in existing wells, and we create opportunities to recover vast hydrocarbon resources previously considered unviable. We do this through the deployment of advanced HVMI heater cable technology backed by a complete suite of reservoir consulting services and decades of experience, all in one new, innovative company.